I used to think rising rates and rising oil prices but now since they are in mainstream media, I am now betting on the Black Swan :)  - https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/blackswan.asp

I think we just coated it with the oil they make for it. 

5) How much would it cost and how difficult would it be to have an old oil furnace removed?

Or North Dakota post-oil boom.

As many of you Canadians are aware, Albertas economy is still recovering after the oil bust.

Typically people spread the palms in the middle of the dough causing it to be too thin and oil pooling in the middle.

Your money for your mortgage may have come from an insurance company or an oil company from buying bonds securitized by prior mortgages.

All industries, including RE, begin with some basic business education, then you specialize in an industry, you don't open a gas station without knowing the distribution of gas and understanding what plays on oil prices at your level.

Also, given the location/age, I would assume the system is oil fired.

I assumed it was forced hot air or a traditional oil furnace but great point !